"Experts and families agree that paid time at home is vital to making sure working parents can give their baby the best start in life in those precious early months," Ms Carr said.

"We've heard from members who voted for former prime minister Tony Abbott because of his proposed expansion of paid parental leave, and we've heard of people who are reconsidering having more children because of these proposed cuts.

"We can't underestimate how devastating these cuts would be for families if they're approved by the Senate."